1. HISTORIC! Colonel Edward F. Jones, 6th & 26th Massachusetts Infantry Collection

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HISTORIC! Colonel Edward F. Jones, 6th and 26th Massachusetts Infantry Collection.  This is a combination of several lots, some coming just days ago, and an accumulation of other pieces put away for awhile. As a collection, it can illustrated nicely the service of Colonel Edward F. Jones, and his service with two Massachusetts Infantry regiments, the 6th (3 months), and the 26th.

The newest group is all related to Jones with the main items being:

• A large vellum letter from the U.S. House of Representative, signed by the Speaker of the House, Galusha A. Grow, thanking the “6th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia for the alacrity with which they responded to the call of the President, and the patriotism and bravery which they displayed on the nineteenth of April last, in the fighting their way through the City of Baltimore on their march to the defense of the Federal Capital.”
• 125 Virginia State coat buttons taken by Col. Jones in the strip-search of the Confederate Spy, and smuggler, Jennie Smith, trying to make her way to Virginia, but stopped at the Relay House south of the city. The sack she used was quickly made and was worn around her waist, under the dress and other layers. The event is recorded in the Official Record, and can be read here in the photo section. (This illustration from 1862 shows how a woman’s clothes became increasingly suspect as vessels for hiding and transporting secrets, but also how men strove to protect women’s modesty, making it easier for female spies to hide secrets in their clothes. Courtesy of the Library of Congress).
• Col. Jones, Presidential commission to Brevet Brigadier General signed (printed) by Andrew Johnson in 1866.
• Engraved glass flask with pewter cup and leather covering, the cup engraved to Jones.  Philadelphia maker, and most likely purchased during the regiment’s quick stop in that city on the afternoon-to late evening of April 18th. 1861.
• Jones’ forage cap insignia worn as colonel of the 26th Mass. Infantry.
• His Massachusetts “Minuteman” first call medal, named.
• A singularly rare “Narrative of the Killing of Charles A. Taylor,” as written by Washington D. Gray of Co, C. Taylor was one of the men of company “D” killed in the Baltimore Riots. He had just enlisted before the regiment moved out for Baltimore, and had not been issued a uniform, but only “an overcoat, blanket, belt, gun and cartridge box.” He was from New Hampshire. This is a notarized 4 page account that confirms the death of the first soldier killed in the Civil War.
• An Account of the Life of Samuel Downing -Last Soldier of the Revolution with two real photo post cards (two old soldiers with the account). I may offer this separately.
• Post war images, and papers relating to Jones’ scale business.
• Etc.

Previously assembled material:

• Col. Jones’ presentation sword, “Presented to Col. E.F. Jones By The Staff Officers of the 26th Ms. Inf., Oct. 1861. A gorgeous import staff & field sword.
• CDVs of 6th Mass officers and men who were with the initial 3 month 6th Mass Infantry that went through Baltimore on their way to the capital. See the names written on the album pages for ID.
• Stereoviews of Lowell, Mass showing the commemorating the monument to Whitney and Ladd, two Lowell men killed the riots.
• 2 6th Mass “Minuteman” medals.
• 1/2 printed advertisement “ATTACK of the Massachusetts Troops (at) Baltimore  More in Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper.” See the photo. I have written out fully what I believe the original ad read in whole.
• Escutcheon for Eugene J. Mason, 1st Lt. who was a 4th lieutenant when going through Baltimore.
• Book, Baltimore and the 19th of April, 1861 – by George William Brown, 1887, with map plate of Baltimore; showing the route of the rail road through the city from President St. Station to Camden St. Station.
• Early contract dismounted overcoat (1861 contract) with Mass buttons, this being the the type worn at the time. No id.
• Miscellaneous prints, research papers, etc.

The collection will be sold, but as of yet we have not determined the full value, nor have we settled on the method; be it all or in significant/ related lots.

The  6th Massachusetts, commanded by Col. Jones, was the first regiment to answer President Lincoln’s call for 75,000 troops to defend the Capital, and the first regiment to suffer bloodshed in the war. They were first quartered in the capital building upon their arrival in the Nations Capital. At present, we don’t know if this is the only resolution of its kind issued to state troops in the early or any time of the war.

A most interesting occurrence as to the date April 19th; the very ancestors of these men of the 6th Massachusetts answered the alarm of April 19th, 1775, when British Regulars were marching out of Boston, and going to Lexington, then Concord, Massachusetts to capture small arms, cannon, and ammunition held by the militia of these two towns. This was the first day of combat in our American Revolution. How bizarre is it that on this same date in 1861, men of the 6th Massachusetts, from the same county, were the first to answer President Abraham Lincoln’s call for 75,000 troops to put down the rebellion and defend the capital, then being the first soldiers bloodied in the Civil War!

The story of Jennie Smith, the confederate spy and smuggler’s story is most interesting, as strip-searching a women in Victorian times was something, even in wartime, rather frowned upon. The bag held originally 157 buttons, and percussion caps. No doubt the caps were distributed to the 6th Mass guards at the Relay House camp, and Jones kept the button’s and Jennie’s make shift waist bag for herself. This episode is recorded in the Official Record of the Civil War. Researching will tell if anything like this even exists in any private or public museum!

 

Notes on the 6th Mass and the Baltimore Riots.

 

Private Luther Crawford Ladd was only seventeen years old when he was killed. He is considered to be the first to fall, although there are some who disagree. His injuries included a fractured skull and a fatal bullet wound that severed an artery in his thigh. He was born in Bristol, New Hampshire and was the son of John Ladd. He lived with his family on their farm south of Fowler’s River until 1853, when young Luther and his father moved to nearby Alexandria, New Hampshire so that Luther could attend a public school. In 1860, at age sixteen, Ladd left Alexandria for Lowell, Massachusetts where he obtained employment at the Lowell Machine Shop. He worked there until April 1861, when he answered President Lincoln’s first call for 75,000 men by enlisting for three months in Co. D (The Lowell Guards) of the 6th Massachusetts Militia. His remains were returned to Alexandria, New Hampshire and interred in the Alexandria Village Cemetery. He was later disinterred and reburied beneath the Ladd and Whitney Monument in Lowell, Massachusetts.[11]

Private Addison O. Whitney, a friend of Ladd’s, was also a mill worker at the Lowell Machine Shop. He is also a candidate for being the first death among the four men. Ladd was taken to a nearby infirmary where he bled to death from his wounds, but Whitney was shot in the chest, expiring almost immediately. Lowell, Massachusetts’s historian Richard Howe, Jr. cites evidence of this when he claims that the final-breath quote, “All hail the stars and stripes,” was uttered by Ladd, indicating that Whitney was already deceased.[12]

The remains of Ladd, Whitney, and Needham reached Boston on May 1, 1861. They arrived by train and the “relics of our brave and patriotic soldiers,” were met by Massachusetts Governor John Andrew. At this time, other than Needham, they had not been definitively identified. The bodies were then taken in flag-bedecked hearses to King’s Chapel Church at the corner of Tremont and School streets, where friends and relatives were finally able to positively identify both Ladd and Whitney. A funeral was held in Lowell for the two men, and Whitney was buried in Lowell Cemetery the next day.

 

That leaves Private Charles A. Taylor .(The affidavit in the collection) . . about whom little is known. He joined Company D in Lowell the morning it left for Washington. He had still not been issued a uniform by the time his unit reached Baltimore and there is some mystery as to the actual whereabouts of his remains. Some believe that he was mistaken for a civilian and buried in an unmarked grave as no friends or family ever came forth to claim his body. Even newspaper articles pleading for information turned up nothing. There the story stopped until June 17, 1865. On this date, a large obelisk, the Ladd and Whitney Monument, was dedicated. Ladd’s remains were sent from Alexandria to Lowell to join his friend Whitney’s, and both were reburied in Monument Square in downtown Lowell. In a news article written for the Civil War Sesquicentennial about the deaths of these men, writer David Pevear interviewed Lowell Historical Society Martha Mayo concerning Charles Taylor, whose name was added to the monument around 1908. There is no conclusive trail leading to Taylor’s remains, but Librarian Mayo feels, “I don’t think they would have added the name unless they found something . . . a belt buckle, some bones, something.”[13]Taylor’s plaque on the Ladd and Whitney Monument states that he was among “The First To Fall In Defence (sic) Of The Union.”    *(https://emergingcivilwar.com/2018/05/24/avenging-baltimores-patriotic-gore/)

The remains of Taylor are unmarked by any memorial ; and it cannot here be said whether their place of burial is even known. If it shall never be ascertained where he was laid, let his memory be sacred in all loyal hearts, and his noble deeds stand forever as his honorable epitaph. (6TH MASS HISTORY- PG 56).

Pratt St Station.

 

Colonel — Edward F. Jones, Pepperell. — Col. Jones had distinguished himself as the inventor of the famous arrangement by whieh the kerosene lamp-wick is moved. He afterwards recruited the Twenty-sixth regiment, 1 of which he was Colonel, until he resigned his commission, July 27, 1862. The old town of Pepperell has the distinguished honor of furnishing two colonels, who, from the places they have occupied in the country’s service, can never be forgotten, — Col. Prescott, who was the commander on Bunker Hill, and Col. Jones, the commander at Baltimore. She can never cease to be proud that these two of her sons will forever be associated with June 17, 1775, and April 19, 1861.

Troops at Relay House in 1861.

 

Military Operations at Relay House, MD, 1861-1865 

Timeline of Occupation at Relay House

Images of Relay House

Breed Letters

4/25/1861 – “…Thursday morning…we took up our line of march for Washington Junction…We arrived at the Junction early on Friday morning…Squads of fifteen men each were then placed between the Junction and Washington city, to protect the track…Early on Saturday the train picked us up and took us to Washington.” – Mancellar F. Roll, 71st New York State Militia, New York Daily Herald, 5/3/1861

5/5/1861 – “…thirty car loads of troops from Washington, (said to be Eighth New York and Sixth Massachusetts regiments,)…reached the Relay House…The troops numbering 1800 men…They took possession of Mr. Luckett’s and Talbot’s farms…” – Cecil Whig, 5/11/1861

5/5/1861 – “General Butler accompanied the troops, and established a camp on the hills, a quarter of a mile from the Relay House, near the residences of P. O’Hern and J. H. Luckett…The writer visited this interesting spot late in 1864…On the heights back of the Relay House, near which General Butler encamped, was a regular earthwork, called Fort Dix, and a substantial block-house built of timber, which is seen in our little picture.” – Pictorial history of the civil war in the United … v.1. Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891.

5/6/1861 – “…yesterday morning the sixth Massachusetts regiment...moved up from the Annapolis to the Washington Junction or Relay House, and encamped at the south end of the railroad bridge, on the country seat of Geo. W. Dobbin, Esq. They number between 800 and 1,000 strong, and have taken possession of the property above the Relay House.” – Baltimore Sun, 5/6/1861

5/6/1861 – “…to the Relay House or Washington Junction…where we established a permanent camp – on a high hill on the south bank of the Patapsco River…This hill…commanded a clear view of the R. R. track for a distance of several miles, and we had at once redoubts thrown up and cannon placed in them…Col. Jones and the members of his staff occupied quarters in a handsome house – on a little eminence west of the encampment. The drill and parade grounds were in a large meadow in a valley at the east foot of the hill, and but a few hundred yards from…“Elkridge Landing.” The march made up and down the hill under arms was something of a feat…The regiment in going and coming usually used the road which round about the base and came out on the railroad track in front of the artillery redoubt.” – “Military Waif: A Sidelight on the Baltimore Riot of 19 April 1861”. Maryland Historical Magazine, 1994.

5/7/1861 – “I visited the camp at the Relay House this afternoon. The troops are the Eighth of New-York…Sixth of Massachusetts…one company of the First of Massachusetts, CAPT. SAMSON, and the Boston Flying Artillery…The camps are located south of the Patapsco, on different heights…” – New York Times, May 7, 1861

5/7/1861 – “the troops number 2,200, and are in two camps – one of them tents on the lawn of the farm belonging to the late William A. Talbot, Esq., and the other of mud huts. Artillery has been placed on the heights on Mr. Woodside’s farm, to command the Relay and the Washington road bridges, and four brass pieces have been placed on the intersection of the Washington and Ohio roads…The dwelling on the Talbott farm has been taken possession of and is entirely occupied. None of the private residences of the other neighbors has been interfered with.” – Daily Exchange, 5/7/1861. See Martenet’s Map.

5/7/1861 – “THE CAMP AT THE RELAY HOUSE…The hotel is occupied by the invalid soldiers, and the officers, sheddings and outbuildings about the place are used for various purposes by the troops, who also have the range of the beautiful picnic grounds above the hotel…The camp proper of the troops is on the south side of the Patapsco, but General Butler has quarters for himself and staff at the Relay House Hotel.” – Baltimore Sun, 5/7/1861

5/8/1861 – “The Massachusetts Regiment is encamped without its regular camp equipage, and is still occupying the mud huts and seeking shelter under some of the larger trees in the vicinity. The encampment of the New Yorkers begins to look quite orderly…The men generally are quite actively employed in erecting stables for their horses, and what appear to be places for cooking…”- Daily Exchange, 5/8/1861.

5/8/1861 – “Two batteries have been erected of two guns each, built of sand and cross-ties. The first is erected upon the hill on the west side of the viaduct, and under the charge of the Boston Light Artillery…The second battery is mounted on the hill west of Thomas’ monument, and will command about one-quarter of a mile of the main stem of the road…”- Daily Exchange, 5/8/1861.

5/8/1861 – “The New York regiment occupy the grounds of the late Wm. A. Talbott, while the family mansion (now vacated) is occupied by the officers of the regiment. The Massachusetts regiment is encamped on the high grounds on the estate of Dr. Hall, a valley separating the two camps. Gen. Butler has his headquarters in the residence of Mr. Donaldson. Tents are pitched in various directions, and good shelter from storm and sun is provided by felling the numerous pine trees and erecting them into camp quarters. The hill, or rather precipice, to the right of the Washington railroad, is being excavated into steps or landings for the planting of cannon…” – Baltimore Sun, 5/8/1861

5/9/1861 – “The Massachusetts Sixth have fortified Latrobe Hill, overlooking the viaduct at the Relay House; also the neighboring hill, commanding the main track looking towards Harper’s Ferry.” – New York Times, 5/9/1861

5/10/1861 – “Last night the Eighth Regiment of New York…arrived here [Relay House] about noon…Immediately on arrival we moved to the grounds of DR. HALL, who is now absent in Europe, thence removed to the estate of JOHN LATROBE, Esq…At 5 o’clock, the Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts…encamped on the grounds of DR. HALL.” – New York Times, 5/10/1861

5/11/1861 – “GEN. BUTLER’S CAMP, CLERMONT HILL, Opposite Relay House, Md., Tuesday, May 7, 1861…The men…are encamped on one of the most beautiful spots the eyes could rest upon. The Relay House is situated in a deep valley, through which the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad runs, and from which the hills on either side slope gradually to a height commanding a full view of the surrounding country…The Eighth New-York occupy one of these magnificent hills, and the Sixth [Massachusetts] the other, the valley, which is lined with troops-detachments from the regiments-separating them…Numerous tasteful little barracks, made of limbs and boughs of trees, beautifully thatched and decorated with foliage, and well line with straw within, are dotted all over the hill…The Boston Flying Artillery that accompanied the troops here, have planted two fine batteries, commanding both points of the road…One commands the Bridge of the Washington Turnpike across the Patapsco, and the other could rake…the magnificent stone railroad bridge…You have only to descend to the valley on the West side of Clermont hill, to find yourself out of sight of the troops, who are within a minute’s walk on the hill.” – New York Times, May 11, 1861

5/11/1861 – “I passed through the two camps yesterday…The New-York Eighth…field and staff officers were quartered in the residence of the late W. A. TALBOT…The tents were pitched within a few rods of the officer’s quarters on a gentle slope…I next proceeded to the camp of the Massachusetts Sixth…which was situated on a neighboring hill, east, and adjoining the Annapolis road…A few rods to the east of the Massachusetts Sixth were the quarters of the Boston Flying Artillery…The three Companies of Massachusetts at the junction, however, were better situated. They were under shelter…a portion at the station-house and a portion at the hotel…” – New York Times, May 11, 1861

5/13/1861 – “The New York Regiment are encamped in 80 tents on the heights in the rear of the Relay. The Massachusetts Regiment occupy 108 tents on the high bluff west of the Relay House and near the Relay. The Boston Light Artillery have here six pieces of cannon, seventy-five horses, and one hundred and five men. The pieces are planted in various directions.” – Baltimore Sun, 5/13/1861

5/13/1861 – “Among the latest arrival of troops here is the 5th New York Regiment. Four companies of the 8th Massachusetts repaired to the Relay House last night.” – Daily Exchange, 5/13/1861

5/13/1861 – “Nearing the Relay House the white tents (116 in number) of the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment encampment stick out quite prominently against the sky, perched as they are upon the apex of the commanding bluff at this (western) end of the viaduct. From the eastern face of this bluff two brass barkers (6-pounders) show their teeth from the opening of an earthwork, and are placed so as to rake the bridge and railroad beyond, in the direction of Baltimore, for perhaps a mile….Upon the summit of the hill are two 6-pounders…” – Evening Star, 5/13/1861

5/14/1861 – “RELAY HOUSE, May 11, 6 P. M. The 8th regiment of New York Militia, 1,000 men…are encamped in 80 tents on the heights in the rear of the Relay House. The 6th regiment, Massachusetts, are encamped in 108 tents, on a high bluff, half a mile west of the Relay House, and near the railway. The Boston Light Artillery are doing service here. They have six pieces, 75 horses, and number 105 men. The first section commands the bridge from a prominence; the second is stationed near the railroad, and within a few rods of the Relay House, and commands the railroad and river. The third has not yet been assigned a position.” – Richmond Enquirer, 5/14/1861

5/14/1861 – “WASHINGTON…I hear that one of the flying batteries left by rail this morning, its destination being, it is supposed, the Relay House.” – Baltimore Sun, 5/14/1861

5/14/1861 – “Last evening the United States troops encamped at the Relay House…were embarked on a train of cars and quietly arrive at the Camden Station about 7 o’clock….The place of the above army of occupation at the Relay House is supplied by four companies of the Eighth Massachusetts Regiment, who reached the Relay on Sunday night.” – Baltimore Sun, 5/14/1861

5/14/1861 – “They were relieved at the Relay House by four companies of the Massachusetts Eighth Regiment. They brought with them a battery of six guns…” – Daily Exchange, 5/14/1861

5/15/1861 – “The Relay House military post was held on Monday by about 1,000 of New York Infantry, under the command of Col. Lyons. This force has since been reinforced by troops from Washington, including the Eight Massachusetts Regiment, making 2,000 or 3,000 in all there.” – Baltimore Sun, 5/15/1861

5/15/1861 – 6th Massachusetts. “…our tents…had come up..those for our company were pitched on the extreme south end of the ridge we occupy.” – Massachusetts Spy, 5/15/1861

5/15/1861 – “…on Wednesday evening…the Massachusetts and New York troops, who have been encamped on Federal Hill…to convey them to the Relay House. The entire body embraced about 450 of the New York Eighth Regiment and 500 of the Massachusetts Sixth and Eighth Regiments…” – Daily Exchange, 5/17/1861

5/15/1861 – “This morning, the remaining part of the 8th Massachusetts Regiment, Lieut. Col. Hinks, and the Boston Rifle Company, Capt. Dodd, proceeded to the Relay House, in place of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment…” – Daily Exchange, 5/15/1861

5/19/1861 – “On Saturday morning…the eighth regiment of New York evacuated their encampment near the Relay House, and were transferred back to Washington…The regiment numbered 850 men, and carried away with them their tents and other camp equipments. A part of the seventy-first New York regiment relieved the eighth at the Relay camp, with the sixth Massachusetts…and the Boston Light Artillery.” – Baltimore Sun, 5/20/1861

5/19/1861 – 6th Massachusetts, Salem Zouaves. – “We…walk a quarter of a mile for the privilege of a wash…One night (our first here)…we had no tents, but were forced to turn in ‘under the canopy.’…when bang! went a musket…and we fell in, and started for the Relay House…about a mile distant.” – The Harvard magazine. v.7 (1861).

5/20/1861 – [Four companies of the 1st Maryland Infantry arrived at Camp Cooper, in the vicinity of Relay House, on May 20, 1861.]

5/21/1861 – “Another squad of United States recruits, numbering eighty…left the Camden station for the Relay House. They composed the eighth company of the Baltimore regiment, which is now being drilled in the camp at the Relay House.” – Daily Exchange, 5/22/1861

5/21/1861 – “THE MARYLAND BATTALION. A brigade of recruits for the regular army, however, 650 men, has been formed in this city…They have been formed into seven companies and yesterday evening were taken to the Relay House. They are now encamped upon the heights recently occupied by the Eighth New York Regiment.” – Philadelphia Enquirer, 5/22/1861

5/21/1861 – “…at the Relay House…the recruits, enlisted in this city and vicinity…will be drilled…and mustered into the First Maryland Regiment.” – Baltimore Sun, 5/21/1861

5/24/1861 – “A train will be dispatched…for the Relay…with about 60 more recruits from Baltimore…” – Balitmore Sun, 5/24/1861

ca. 5/25/1861 – “At this post are stationed the Massachusetts Sixth and Eighth Regiments, excepting Captain Devereux’s Company, the Salem Light Infantry, (Zouaves of the 8th) who are at Fort McHenry near Baltimore. The location at the Relay House is very healthy, and the scenery all about it picturesque and beautiful…This point is about eight miles from Baltimore, at the junction of the Washington, Baltimore and Ohio Railroads…The troops are encamped in a chestnut grove, on a hill commanding a view of the Patapsco River.” – Boston Post, 5/29/1861

6/3/1861 – “There are now four camps at the Relay House on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. Two (camps Washington and Scott) on the south side of the Patapsco are occupied by the Sixth and Eighth Massachusetts regiments, under Col. Jones. On the north side of the Patapsco, on the hill towards the east, are located the new Camps Cooper and McConnell, named after an in honor of ex-Senator Cooper, commander of the First Regiment Maryland Volunteers, and Capt. J. C. McConnell, of the United States recruiting service in this city. Here are quartered the Baltimore recruits, 1,100 in all.” – Baltimore Sun, 6/3/1861

6/3/1861 – “…field drill of the two Massachusetts regiments and the battery of flying artillery. The drill came off in a large grass field on the high ground on the north side of the Patapsco river.” – Baltimore Sun, 6/3/1861

6/6/1861 – [The 1st Maryland Infantry was ordered to proceed to Mount Clare, June 6, 1861.]

6/8/1861 – “The consolidated morning report of the Sixth Regiment to-day (June 8th) shows our force to be as follows: Commissioned officers, 39; field and staff, 9; total privates, 609; sick, 28…” – Boston Post, 6/12/1861

6/10/1861 – “The camps of the two regiments are nicely located in a woods on the south side of the Patapsco river.” – Baltimore Sun, 6/10/1861

6/14/1861 – “The sixth regiment of Massachusetts volunteers struck the tents of their encampment at the Relay House yesterday morning, and at 11:30 A. M. were brought into Camp Carroll…” – Baltimore Sun, 6/14/1861

6/14/1861 – 8th New York “…at noon we fetched up at the Relay House, nine miles from Baltimore. We were the first troops there. Church was just letting out as we drew up in line, and the officers were dealing out ammunition to the men. It created great excitement in the place. Families packed up and moved out of town immediately. Gen. Butler took lead and marched us up the hill to a splendid mansion, the residence of a leading secessionist, and took possession; and we put up our tents on the lawn. The folks vacated the premises. The next day not a secessionist could be found in the place. We had been there a few hours when the 6th Regiment of Massachusetts arrived from Washington and took possession of another mansion on the hill opposite.” – Geneva Daily Gazette, 6/14/1861

6/15/1861 – “The Massachusetts Sixth and New York Thirteenth Regiments, which were brought to this city on Thursday (election day)…were yesterday sent back to their old quarters. The Massachusetts men were from the Relay House, and the New York Regiment from Annapolis Junction.” – Daily Exchange, 6/15/1861

6/17/1861 – “The Boston Light Artillery, with a full battery, in the afternoon came into this city from the Relay House.” – Daily Exchange, 6/17/1861

6/22/1861 – “…the Sixth and Eighth regiments from Massachusetts…are posted on the hills just beyond the viaduct…The Sixth have their tents pitched upon a hill, the sides of which are shaded by a thick wood…Just beyond the Sixth on another open hillside and almost upon the lawn of a handsome country seat lies the Eighth. – Cape Ann Light and Gloucester Telegraph, 6/22/1861

6/30/1861 – “The Massachusetts Sixth and the right wing of the Eighth…left the Relay House on Wednesday afternoon last, and encamped at this Park [Plug Ugly’s Park]…The Boston Light Artillery are quartered close by…The Sixth will return to Massachusetts about the 22nd of July…” – Boston Post, 7/2/1861

7/3/1861 – “THE SIXTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. Order were yesterday afternoon received…to proceed to the Relay House…” – Daily Exchange, 7/3/1861

7/9/1861 – “The Boston Light Artillery, which has been stationed for several days past in Monument square…was withdrawn yesterday, and it was stated sent to the Relay House.” – Baltimore Sun, 7/9/1861

7/10/1861 – “FROM THE SIXTH [MASSACHUSETTS]] REGIMENT…On Tuesday last, the 6th Regiment returned from duty in Baltimore…After reaching this place on Tuesday, three companies, K, L, and B, were detailed to guard and protect the railroad between this place and Annapolis Junction…Yesterday…Our regimental line was formed, and very soon the Infantry marched up the hill escorting some three hundred citizens of Baltimore…marched to the grove in front of the residence of Dr. Hall, where the American flag was presented…” – Worcester Spy, 7/10/1861

7/22/1861 – “The Massachusetts regiment stationed at the Relay House…are packing up in order to quit their camp. They…will leave…on to-morrow for the North.” – Baltimore Sun, 7/22/1861

7/24/1861 – “The Mass. 6th, at the Relay House, have reenlisted.” – Boston Post, 7/24/1861

7/24/1861 – 4th Wisconsin. “I made the following disposition of the regiment…four companies between Baltimore and Annapolis junction and between the Relay House and Ellicott’s Mills…Regimental headquarters were established at the Relay House.” – A Wisconsin Yankee in Confederate Bayou Country, Halbert E. Paine.

7/24/1861-11/4/1861 – 4th Wisconsin. “Our first and second encampments were on high ground south of the railway station. Our third was on ground reputed to have been occupied by Gen. Braddock…Whether this was or was not Braddock’s camping ground, it certainly had been somebody’s camping ground, for in 1861 the evidence of the former use of the ground for that purpose had not disappeared.” – Halbert E. Paine Papers, 4th Wisconsin, Louisiana State University.

7/26/1861 – “CAMP OF THE SIXTH MASS. REG’T, RELAY HOUSE, July 21, 1861…On Friday I visited the camp hospital…and went through the several apartments. The building is an elegant private residence, located in the centre of a beautiful grove, and belonged to a Mr. Talbot, but had not been occupied for a number of hears, and was entirely destitute of furniture…On the departure of the regiment from Washington for this post, the hospital was located in an old negro shanty, without even beds or straw for the sick to lay upon…the shanty was used for five or six weeks, when the residence of Mr. Talbot was secured…” – Lowell Daily Citizen and News, 7/26/1861

7/30/1861 – “This morning the 6th Massachusetts regiment…so long stationed at the Relay House, Washington Junction, will be brought into the city from the Relay, preparatory to their departure for home, their term of service having more than expired. The battery of Boston Light Artillery, Captain Cooke, formerly stationed at the Relay House, but latterly in this city and Camp Carroll, will be conveyed…en route for Boston.” – Baltimore Sun, 7/30/1861

7/31/1861 – “As announced yesterday, the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, and Cook’s battery of Boston artillery, passed through the city yesterday morning, en route for home. On Monday afternoon [7/29], one-half of the Fourth Wisconsin Regiment…was conveyed from Camp Carroll to the Relay House, Washington Junction, to take the place of the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment.” – Baltimore Sun, 7/31/1861

7/31/1861 – 4th Wisconsin “Our location is a most beautiful one, in a grove, overlooking the country for miles around. We take the place of the Massachusetts 6th…Col. Paine occupies a beautiful gothic cottage, lately occupied by Lt. Murray, secessionist, as his headquarters. The hospital is also in the building.” – Sheboygan Journal, 8/14/1861

8/1/1861 – “The regiment [6th Mass] left their old quarters at the Relay House on Tuesday morning at 6 o’clock.” – Boston Post, 8/1/1861

early 8/1861 – 4th Wisconsin. “Early in August, 1861, the companies were united at the Relay House. Details were made to guard the railroad and bridges between Baltimore and Annapolis Junction and between the Relay house and Ellicott’s Mills; and we remained at the Relay House, in three different camps, until November 4, 1861…Our first and second encampments were on high ground south of the railway station. Our third was on ground reputed to have been occupied by Gen. Braddock [during the French and Indian War]..Whether this was or was not Braddock’s camping ground, it certainly had been somebody’s camping ground; for in 1861 the evidence of the former use of the ground for that purpose had not disappeared…While we were encamped at the Relay House, details from the regiment…constructed Fort Dix…[Later on] we realized the emotions of Surgeon Smith when, having been extricated from the mud and rain, behind Mr. Latrobe’s hog-pen, at the Relay House…” – A Wisconsin Yankee in Confederate Bayou Country, Halbert E. Paine.

8/26/1861 – “The 4th REGIMENT…The regiment is now encamped about half a mile from the Relay House on a hill overlooking the whole country…We occupy the grounds and residence of an old, secessionist, who is now dead. The Massachusetts 6th (who were here before us,) took possession of it, and used the house, which is a very large and well constructed one, for a hospital. The house is in the midst of a splendid grove, in which our tents are pitched. We have the best of water near by…” – Calumet Republican, 8/26/1861.     *(https://hococivilwar.org/relay_house).

 

 

The cover that carried the H of Reps letter to Col. Jones and 6th Mass was sent via the Northern Central RR, (see the frank on the cover- upper right corner).

VOTE OP THANKS FROM CONGRESS.

The popular branch of Congress passed a vote of thanks, which was handsomely engrossed on parchment, and forwarded, and is now in the possession of Col. Jones.

“Thirty-seventh Congress of the United States, at the First Session, in the House of Representatives, July 22, 1861.

Resolved, That the thanks of this House are due, and are hereby tendered, to the Sixth Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteers, for the alacrity with which they responded to the call of the President, and the patriotism and bravery which they displayed on the 19th of April last, in fighting their way through the city of Baltimore, on their march to the defence of the Federal Capital.

Galtjsha A. Grow,

Attest, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Em. Etheridge, Clerk.”     *(Historical sketch of the old Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers,)

 

“Just a few tumultuous months later, Fort Sumter in South Carolina was attacked, and President Lincoln called up 75,000 troops to protect the nation’s capital. Federal troops traveled to Washington DC via two railroads: the Northern Central Railroad and the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad. Both railroads stopped in Baltimore, a Southern sympathizing city, before continuing to Washington. After two days of federal troops passing through the city, violence broke out between Baltimoreans and the soldiers, mostly men from the 6th Massachusetts Regiment. As an attempt to quell the violence, Maryland Governor Thomas Hicks met with Baltimore Mayor George W. Brown and Baltimore City Police Marshal George Kane and passed an order to destroy railroad bridges and telegraph wires to prevent federal troops from entering the city. Isaac Trimble destroyed the bridges along the PW&B Railroad, and Captain J. G. Johannes destroyed bridges on the NCR at Melvale (near Cold Spring Lane) and Relay House (near Lake Roland).”

*(https://www.mdhistory.org/travelling-through-history-stories-of-the-northern-central-railroad-during-the-civil-war/.)

 

Annual Report of the Adjutant-General, December 31, 1861 – good info!

SIXTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY.

FIELD AND STAFF

Colonel, Edward F. Jones, Pepperell

Lieutenant- Colonel, Benjamin F. Watson, Lawrence

Major, josiah A. Sawtell. Lowell

Adjutant, Alpha B. Farr, Lowell

Quartermaster, James Munroe, Cambridge

Paymaster, Rufus L. Plaisted, Lowell

Surgeon, Norman Smith, Groton

Surgeon’s Mate, Jansen T. Paine, Charlestown

Chaplain, Charles Babbage, Pepperell

Sergeant-Major, Samuel W. Shattuck, Groton

Quartermaster-Sergeant, Church Howe, Worcester

Commissary-Sergeant, John Dupee, Boston

Drum-Major, Frederic Stafford, Lowell

Hospital Steward, William H. Gray, Acton                                                                                                                   Total      14

COMPANIES AND COMMANDERS

A,-—Lowell,          Captain George M. Dickman, Lowell                                                                                                           52

B,—Groton,          Captain Eusebius S. Clark, Groton                                                                                                              73

C,—Lowell,          Captain Albert S. Follansbee, Lowell                                                                                                            56

D,—Lowell,          Captain, James W. Hart, Lowell                                                                                                                    43

E,—Acton,           Captain, Daniel Tuttle, Acton                                                                                                                         51

F,—Lawrence,      Captain, Benjamin F. Chadbourne, Lawrence                                                                                               60

H,—Lowell,          Captain, John F. Noyes, Lowell                                                                                                                     52

I,—Lawrence,       Captain, John Pickering, Lawrence                                                                                                              51

K,—Boston,          Captain, Walter S. Sampson, Boston                                                                                                           60

L,—Stoneham,      Captain, john H. Dike, Stoneham                                                                                                                 65

B,—Worcester,      Captain, Harrison W. Pratt, Worcester                                                                                                        101

                                                                                                                                                                                       ___

                                                                                                                                                                                                  685

 

 

Research Notes 8c Maryland Miscellany Military Waif: A Sidelight on the Baltimore Riot of 19 April 1861

*(Maryland Historical Magazine, 1994, Volume 89, Issue No. 4)   Account of 6th MASS GOING THROUGH BALTIMORE.)